How to Remove Mold From Window Casings

Mold can form on window sills.

Mold grows anywhere it has a damp environment. While windows keep most moisture out of the house, their sills may have some dampness from condensation. If left untreated, you might find that you have moldy window casings. It’s not difficult to remove black mold from the window casings, but you do need to wear protective gear, such as gloves and safety glasses as well as a face mask to keep the mold off your skin and out of your airways. Open the window as you work to provide fresh air and to facilitate drying the window casings.

Dampen the moldy window casings with water from a spray bottle. This keeps the mold spores from flying up into the air and spreading as you remove them.

Mix a few drops of dish detergent with some warm water. Use this mixture to clean mold off the surface of the window casings with paper towels. Put the discarded paper towels in a plastic bag. Seal the bag tightly when you finish and dispose of it in the trash. If the mold doesn’t wipe off the window casings, use a plastic scraper to loosen and remove it.

Mix 1/4 to 1/2 cup bleach in a gallon of water. Scrub the window casings with this mixture using a clean rag. Allow the bleach to sit on the casings for 15 minutes to disinfect and kill any mold spores that remain.

Rinse the window casings well with clean water. Dry the window casings thoroughly. If there isn’t a breeze through the window to dry the casings quickly, set up a window fan to help speed the drying process. In the alternative, use a hair dryer to dry the window casings completely.

Things You Will Need

Spray bottle

Dish detergent

Paper towels

Plastic bag

Plastic scraper

Rags

Bleach

Window fan or hair dryer

Tip

Take steps to prevent mold from reoccurring. For example, if the window often has condensation in the wintertime and you run a humidifier, try putting less moisture in the air. Reduce the number of plants in your home because they put moisture in the air and their soil is a breeding ground for mold. Install exhaust fans in rooms with high humidity such as the kitchen and the bathroom.

Warning

Disinfect any reusable items from this project by immersing them in the bleach and water mixture when you finish.

Keep children and pets out of the room where you are cleaning up the moldy window casings as a precaution. Once the casings begin to dry, they can reenter the room.

Wash the clothing you wear for the project in hot water as soon as possible to keep from spreading any mold spores that settled on your clothes. Use bleach in the wash cycle, if possible.

About the Author

Denise Brown is an education professional who wanted to try something different. Two years and more than 500 articles later, she's enjoying her freelance writing experience for online resources such as Work.com and other online information sites. Brown holds a master's degree in history education from Truman State University.